Mahbusa

How to play

1. Each player starts with all fifteen checkers on their first point, and the two players move in opposite directions.
2. Each player throws one die to start; the higher starts with a fresh throw of both dice. Doubles are played four times.
3. Both dice must be used when possible; if only one can be, it must be the larger. One checker may take both dice when the point in between is open. With no move at all, the turn passes.
4. A point holding two or more of one player's checkers is closed to the other.
5. Landing on a lone opposing checker pins it: it cannot move until every one of your checkers has left that point. You may add more checkers there; its owner may not land there.
6. You may bear off only once all your checkers are in your home quarter, and not while one of them is pinned there.

Winning and scoring

• The first to bear off every checker wins the game and 1 point, or 2 (mars) if the loser bore off none.
• Pinning your opponent's last checker on its starting point ends the game at once and wins 2 points.
• The first to 3 points wins the match; you can choose 1, 5 or 7 instead.